- Such open discrimination based on religion inside an examination hall is completely unacceptable.
- The dupatta is not merely a piece of cloth — it is a symbol of modesty and personal dignity for girls. Teachers who so irresponsibly and discriminatorily outrage that modesty and dignity must be immediately terminated from service.
- This incident also exposes the rank hypocrisy of self-proclaimed feminists and secularists, who remain completely silent when Hindu girls are openly discriminated against on the basis of their religion. – Editor, HJS
Jalgaon, Maharashtra – Several Hindu female students at Bendale Mahavidyalaya in Jalgaon were forced to remove their dupattas and scarves before entering the examination hall for their Class 12 board exams. In contrast, students from other communities were permitted to sit for the exams while wearing burqas and hijabs.
The Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti, along with local devout Hindus, protested against this discrimination and submitted a memorandum to the college principal and the Jalgaon District Collector.
Following the submission, the District Collector assured that the matter would be verified and that appropriate action would be taken.
The college principal informed that the teachers involved would receive warnings and face disciplinary proceedings. He also clarified that the institution has no formal policy banning dupattas, and no such restrictions would be enforced on students going forward.
The protesting Hindus stressed that educational institutions must avoid any form of discrimination based on religion, culture, or attire, and urged uniform application of dress guidelines across Maharashtra.
“Throw the dupattas in the dustbin!” – Teachers’ derogatory language
Some teachers also used derogatory language, with one remarking: “How can the students not understand the simple fact that they should not wear a dupatta during exams? Just throw the dupattas in the dustbin!”
